When Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology tendered his resignation on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, the political scene in Abuja erupted. The move came just two days after Premium Times published a damning investigation that alleged Nnaji had forged both his university degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s president, accepted the resignation through his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed the decision on the X platform at about 9:00 PM WAT.
Background to the Nomination
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu first announced Nnaji’s candidacy in July 2023, naming him among 28 initial ministerial nominees. The nomination was part of the president’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” a broad‑based programme aimed at revamping Nigeria’s tech sector and spurring home‑grown innovation. After a two‑month vetting process, the Senate confirmed Nnaji in August 2023, allowing him to take the helm of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. At the time, Nnaji was touted as a veteran of the energy sector, having previously served as Director‑General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria.
Premium Times Investigation Reveals Forged Credentials
The two‑year probe by Premium Times focused on the documents Nnaji submitted during his confirmation. According to the exposé, the alleged Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from University of Nigeria, Nsukka did not match the university’s records. Likewise, the NYSC discharge certificate—required for all Nigerian graduates—was found to contain inconsistencies when cross‑checked with the NYSC secretariat in Abuja.
Key findings included:
- Official registries at UNN showed no degree awarded to anyone named Uche Geoffrey Nnaji in the relevant period.
- The NYSC certificate listed a service number that the NYSC headquarters could not verify.
- Digital forensics revealed the degree certificate bore a watermark pattern used only after 2020, despite Nnaji claiming to have graduated in 1978.
Premium Times shared copies of the disputed documents alongside statements from the university registrar and NYSC officials, igniting a firestorm on social media and sparking calls for accountability.
Resignation and Official Statements
On the evening of 7 October, the minister’s office released a six‑page document titled “Why I Resigned – Statement by Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Former Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.” In the statement, Nnaji emphasized that his decision was made after “wide consultations with my family, associates, and concerned Nigerians.” He categorically denied any wrongdoing, describing the allegations as “an orchestrated sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated, and malicious attacks.”
He added, “My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice — not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court.” Nnaji also hinted that a court case was already underway, though he did not disclose the docket or the presiding judge.
President Tinubu, through spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, thanked Nnaji for his service and wished him well, noting that the administration would continue to push forward with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Political Fallout and Next Steps
The resignation leaves a critical gap in a ministry tasked with steering Nigeria’s digital transformation. Analysts predict a swift nomination, but the Senate’s recent push for stricter vetting could delay confirmation. "The Tinubu government can’t afford another scandal that erodes public trust," said political commentator Chikwe Okonkwo. "This episode underscores the need for a transparent credential‑verification system for all cabinet appointments."
Opposition parties have seized the moment, demanding an independent inquiry into the vetting process that allowed the alleged forgeries to slip through. Meanwhile, civil‑society groups are urging the Ministry of Interior to digitise and publicise the verification of academic and service records.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Governance
Beyond the immediate vacancy, the incident shines a light on a broader pattern: several cabinet members appointed since 2023 have faced similar accusations, ranging from inflated qualifications to undisclosed criminal histories. The frequency of such claims has sparked debate over the efficacy of the Senate’s screening committees.
Experts warn that without systemic reform, the credibility of future governments could suffer. "Public confidence is fragile," noted constitutional law professor Dr. Aisha Yusuf. "When high‑profile officials are implicated in credential fraud, it fuels cynicism and can deter foreign investment, especially in sectors like tech where trust is paramount."
Key Facts
- Date of resignation: 7 October 2025
- Allegations: Forged UNN Electrical Engineering degree and NYSC discharge certificate
- Investigating outlet: Premium Times
- President: Bola Ahmed Tinubu
- Spokesperson confirming resignation: Bayo Onanuga
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Nnaji’s resignation affect the Ministry’s projects?
The ministry’s flagship initiatives—such as the Digital Skills for Youth programme and the National Innovation Hub—will see a temporary leadership vacuum. An interim director will be appointed, but major policy shifts are unlikely until a new minister is confirmed by the Senate, a process that could take several weeks.
Which documents were allegedly forged?
The investigation focused on two items: a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering supposedly awarded by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1978, and a National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate dated 1979. Both were found to contain inconsistencies with official registries.
Who is likely to replace Nnaji as minister?
President Tinubu has not announced a successor yet. Potential candidates mentioned in political circles include the former Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Emeka Okonkwo, and the CEO of a Lagos‑based tech incubator, Mrs. Funmi Adeleke. Any nominee will need Senate approval.
What legal steps are pending for Nnaji?
According to his statement, court proceedings are already underway, though details are scarce. The case is expected to be heard in a Federal High Court in Abuja, where the prosecution will present evidence from the university and NYSC, while Nnaji’s defence will likely challenge the authenticity of the investigative report.
How common are credential‑forgery scandals in Nigerian politics?
Since 2020, at least six high‑profile officials have faced similar accusations, ranging from falsified diplomas to undisclosed criminal convictions. The frequency has prompted calls for an electronic verification system managed by the National Identity Management Commission to curb future occurrences.
Lerato Mamaila
Wow, what a whirlwind in Abuja! The resignation of Minister Nnaji, especially after such damning allegations, really shakes the trust we place in our innovators, and it highlights the urgent need for stricter vetting, transparent records, and perhaps a revamped credential‑verification system.